What Will Contemporary Art Be Called in the Future?

The naming of art movements has traditionally been a retrospective process. As we move further into the future, new terms may emerge to capture the essence of the art produced during this period. This article explores potential future names for contemporary art while discussing the current landscape of art 'movements'.

Historical Context and Naming Art Movements

Art has been labeled retrospectively through the ages. For example, Impressionism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism all received their names after they had become established. This practice suggests that future art movements will also be designated based on their characteristics, themes, or the technological advancements prevalent in the period.

Current Art Movements

Within the contemporary art scene, various movements are evolving rapidly. Some of the prominent movements include:

Algorithmic Art: Art generated using algorithms. Altermodernism: A blend of modern and postmodern elements. Biomorphism: Art that expresses the growth or development of living organisms. Computer Art and Graphics: Digital artwork created using computer software. Craftivism: An art form that uses traditional crafts as a medium. Digital Art: Art produced using digital technology or existing through digital (electronic) media. Environmental Art: Art that engages the surrounding natural environment. Excessivism: An anti-art movement based on the reappropriation of popular art. Intentism: A counter-movement to Postmodernism that aims to return art to a more classical and traditional form. Internet Art: Art that exists on the Internet or is experienced using the Internet. Intervention Art: Art that directly intervenes in the fabric of urban or rural space. Metamodernism: A cultural condition that oscillates between modernity and postmodernity. Modern European Ink Painting: A traditional form of ink painting with modern interpretations. Neo-Minimalism: A continuation of Minimalism with a focus on simplicity and clean lines. New Media Art: An umbrella term for various art forms that use new or emerging technologies. Pixel Art: Digital art that uses pixel graphics. Post-Internet: Art forms that arose in the post-Internet era. Post-Postmodernism: A rejection or evolution of postmodernist thought. Relational Art: Art that emphasizes the social relationships and interactions between the artwork and the audience. Remodernism: An art movement that reclaims and redefines earlier modernist styles. Social Practice Art: Art that involves community engagement and dialogue. SoFlo Art: An art movement centered in South Florida. Superflat: An art movement that explores the pastiches and simulacra of Japanese pop culture. Stuckism: A reaction to the establishment of British art, particularly the Tate Modern. International Superflat: A global extension of the Superflat movement. Superstroke: A lot of brush strokes. Toyism: A form of postmodernist art that draws inspiration from toy-based imagery. Transgressive Art: Art that pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms. Unilalianism: A modern art movement characterized by "the one river" and its tributaries. Vaporwave: An art and music subculture that incorporates elements from the retro-futurist aesthetics of the 1980s and 1990s.

Art Era Naming and Future Art Movements

The naming of art movements in the future is a complex process. Based on the historical trends, there are two main theories:

Reference to Time Period: Contemporary will likely be the term used to describe today's art. 'Contemporary' refers to what is happening at the same time as another event, such as Napoleon and the French Revolution. Biggest Trend or Movement: Some argue that future art historians might name these movements based on the dominant trend or the biggest artistic movement of that era.

While both theories hold merit, it is hypothesized that the term Twenty First Century Art might gain prominence. This term captures the broad span of art produced in the 21st century, which has seen rapid technological advancements, global cultural exchange, and significant shifts in societal values.

The Future of Art

According to some futurists, there might be a deconstruction of traditional art history. They predict that the überhumans, cyborgs, and clones of the future will create art without needing to be branded or marketed. The almost eternal beings will have the means to produce everything, including art, making the need for branded products obsolete.

Art historians may still play a crucial role in documenting and naming these movements, but the future of art will undoubtedly be shaped by the technological and societal changes of the moment.

Conclusion

The naming of art is a continuous process. As we move into the future, new terms and movements will emerge to define contemporary art. Understanding the trends and naming conventions of the past can provide valuable insights into the potential names and characteristics of future art movements.

For those interested in learning more about art, engaging with different movements, and exploring the future of art is a fascinating journey. The art of the future is likely to be defined by its context and the biggest trends of its time, making it an exciting field to study and participate in.